UNC senior center Tyler Zeller and sophomore forward Harrison Barnes have been named to The Sporting News All-American teams. Zeller was placed on the second team while Barnes ended up on the third team. Here are the teams.
First team
F Anthony Davis, 6-10, Fr., Kentucky
F Draymond Green, 6-7, Sr., Michigan State
G Isaiah Canaan, 6-0, Jr., Murray State
F Thomas Robinson, 6-10, Jr., Kansas
C Jared Sullinger, 6-9, Soph., Ohio State
Second team
G Marcus Denmon, 6-3, Sr., Missouri
F Jae Crowder, 6-6, Sr., Marquette
F Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, 6-7, Fr., Kentucky
F Doug McDermott, 6-7, Soph., Creighton
C Tyler Zeller, 7-0, Sr., North Carolina
Third team
G John Jenkins, 6-4, Jr., Vanderbilt
G Tyshawn Taylor, 6-3, Sr., Kansas
F Harrison Barnes, 6-8, Soph., North Carolina
F Kevin Jones, 6-8. Sr., West Virginia
F Mike Scott, 6-8, Sr., Virginia
I don't have any major problem with Zeller being 2nd team but it is interesting to note that Zeller's numbers were similar to that of first team member Jared Sullinger from Ohio St. In addition Zeller had a better offensive efficiency, scored more points per 40 mins and was slightly better from the floor and six percent better from the free throw line. The Sullinger first team selection is not necessarily wrong but this is where some predisposition with the voters came into play given Sullinger's reputation.
Zeller's inclusion on the All-American 2nd team ensure he will has his jersey honored in the Dean Dome rafters. That was probably going to occur anyway since it is widely expected Zeller will be named ACC POY later this afternoon.
Addendum: Tyler Zeller has also been named a finalist for the Wooden Award.